News
The Europe Region of World Physiotherapy recognises every 2 years the contribution of individuals to physiotherapy within the Europe Region.
The 2024 awards were announced by Esther-Mary D’Arcy, Chair of the Europe Region, at the Latvian National Museum of Arts during the official dinner of the 14th General Meeting.
In this edition, the recipients of the award were
Daniel Catalán Matamoros, member of the Spanish Association of Physiotherapists (AEF); and
Emma Stokes, member of the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists (ISCP).
Daniel Catalán Matamoros is a full Professor at Madrid University Carlos III, holds the position of 2nd Vice-president in AEF and serves as the President of the International Organisation of Physiotherapy in Mental Health (IOPTMH), a specialty group of World Physiotherapy. Moreover, Daniel is the founder of the Spanish Association of Mental Health Physiotherapy, an affiliated society of AEF and he currently serves as a consultant for the United Nations including roles with agencies such as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
Daniel has significantly contributed to the profession in Europe through his roles in international organisations such as the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (where he was the first physiotherapist in this public agency of the European Commission), the European Regional Office of the World Health Organisation, and the Spanish Ministry of Health, where he contributed to the European public health agenda. He presented his research at numerous national and international conferences, including the Europe Region Congress on Physiotherapy and World Physiotherapy Congress.
Emma Stokes’ teaching and research has often focused on the area of professional issues and practice in physiotherapy. She has authored almost 100 peer reviewed publications and taught and lectured in over 40 countries in the world. Emma has always been an active volunteer in the ISCP and has served on boards in Trinity, and in the health, charity, education and regulatory sectors.
In 2015, following a term as vice president, Emma was elected President of the World Confederation for Physical Therapy (now World Physiotherapy) and re-elected in 2019 for a second term of office. Working closely with the staff and board, and the wider global physiotherapy community, leading a transformation of the organisation. With a small group of committed colleagues, she was instrumental in the foundation of the Global Rehabilitation Alliance which was a precursor of the WHO World Rehabilitation Alliance.
Emma Stokes could not attend the awards ceremony. Alison Holmes, from ISCP, received the award on her behalf.